Penelope Elaine McNellis

It is with great sadness to announce that Penelope Elaine McNellis (Penny), 77, of Paw Paw, MI passed away on January 9, 2020 after being hospitalized for an illness which led to lung damage and complications. Penny was born in Vincennes, Indiana and was raised by her father, Bill and her mother, Yvonne. She graduated from Vincennes University and Western Michigan University with a Bachelor's degree in Education. Penny's love of teaching began as a Kindergarten teacher in Hartford, MI. She later taught 3rd and 1st grade in Bangor and Paw Paw. She was a much loved and adored Elementary teacher for 34 years. Sparking the love of reading in her 1st graders brought her the most joy. Throughout her life she had many students stop her to tell her how much she influenced them. Penny and her family enjoyed trips along the coast of Lake Michigan in the summer. She loved to travel, with memorable trips made to the UK, Ireland, Canada and Alaska. She would come back with educational souvenirs, books and stories to share with her 1st graders. Later in life she enjoyed going on Road Scholars trips to California, New Orleans and states on the East coast. Reading mystery books curled up on the couch, spending time with family & friends, being involved in the Red Hats, attending events at the library and shopping were some of her favorite things to do. We love and will miss her dearly! Left to cherish her memory are her husband John, aunt Carolyn, sister Denise, brother Jeff, sister-in-law Lori, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Joan, nephews Matt and Dan, nieces Karen and Lisa, son Christopher, daughter Tracy, nephews Todd and Tyler and grandson Bryce. A memorial service will be held at Adams Funeral Home in Paw Paw, MI on February 22nd, 2020 at 12:00 pm. Visitors are welcome to come at 11 am. There will be a luncheon to celebrate her life afterwards at La Cantina Restaurant in Paw Paw. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the following organizations in her memory: National Shrine of St. Jude 205 W. Monroe Street Chicago, IL 60606 https://shrineofstjude.org The Paw Paw District Library 609 W. Michigan Avenue Paw Paw, MI 49079 http://www.pawpaw.lib.mi.us/contact/donations.htm